In a heartwarming display of academic resilience and community spirit, Cal Poly's architectural engineering graduates have paid tribute to their classmate, Sean Hillman, who tragically lost his life in a bicycle accident in 2023. The university's commencement ceremony, held on Sunday, was a bittersweet affair, celebrating the achievements of the Class of 2026 while honoring Hillman's memory. The highlight of the event was the dedication of a student-built structure to Hillman, a testament to his contributions and impact on the architectural engineering department.
The story of this poignant tribute begins with the dedication of the structure by Makayley Washburn, a member of the senior group that worked on the project. Washburn expressed her gratitude and pride, stating, 'It's an amazing experience to have his name here forever. It just was a no-brainer for our team to say this is dedicated to Sean, and we are proud to be the ones to do it.' The structure, a symbol of Hillman's legacy, was unveiled during the ceremony, with a plaque bearing his name.
The ceremony held a deeper significance for Hillman's family, particularly his father, Carl. Carl shared his initial hesitation to attend the ceremony, fearing it might dampen the celebratory mood. However, the students' dedication and the unveiling of the plaque left a profound impact on him. 'I was impressed with this structure,' Carl said. 'I totally lost it when it was covered with the blanket and the lei. To be able to lift the blanket off and actually see the plaque was really intense, but it was very uplifting, too.'
The sentiment of 'live like Sean' resonated deeply with the students and the family. For the students, it became a mantra to carry forward, embodying the values and spirit of Hillman. Carl Hillman, Sean's father, found inspiration in the students' dedication, stating, 'It's been a good motivator. I'm super grateful that his legacy is going to live on through all these kids living like him and hopefully getting some more enjoyment from life by living like Sean.'
This poignant tribute serves as a reminder of the resilience and unity within the Cal Poly community. It highlights the power of academic institutions to honor the memories of their students and the impact they have on their peers and faculty. The dedication of the structure to Sean Hillman is a testament to the enduring legacy he left behind, inspiring others to live life to the fullest and embrace the values he held dear.
